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New York City Wrongful Death Lawyer

The New York City Wrongful Death Lawyer At The Doan Law Firm Reviews Wrongful
Death Lawsuits In NYC

The residents of New York City are not strangers to the tragedy of sudden
and unexpected deaths, even if those deaths are purely accidental, the
result of urban violence, or the carnage of 9-11-2001. On this page the
New York City wrongful death lawyer at the Doan law Firm gives an overview
of the laws governing wrongful death lawsuits in New York.

NY State definition of wrongful death

Unlike some states, the State of New York State requires that five conditions
must be met in order to support a wrongful death lawsuit:

There must have been a death.

The death must have been due to wrongful conduct by the defendant.

The wrongful conduct must have given rise to a valid course of action the
victim could have pursued had he or she lived.

The victim must be survived by one or more persons that have suffered a
loss as a direct result of the victim’s death.

There must be damages the victim’s estate is eligible to recover.

Although some states extend wrongful death claims to the parents of an
unborn child, New York does not allow wrongful death lawsuits where an
unborn child is the victim.

NY State rules regarding who can file a wrongful death lawsuit

Unlike many states, New York does not allow a family member to file a wrongful
death lawsuit on just that family member’s own interests. New York
allows only a “personal representative” of the victim’s
estate to file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the estate. This
personal representative does not have to be a surviving family member,
but should be chosen carefully for a reason to be explained shortly.

A family member can file a lawsuit, but only as the personal representative
of the estate and with the understanding that the lawsuit is for the benefit
of the estate and all survivors who would share in the victim’s estate.

Damages allowed in New York wrongful death lawsuits

New York again differs from many states in that it does not allow surviving
family members to sue for damages for their own emotional pain and suffering,
even if the victim was their child. Parents can only sue for the loss
of services, such as household chores or yard work that could have been
performed by a child victim, but any damages awarded will likely be reduced
by the estimated costs of child-rearing expenses.

Damage awards in New York courts are determined on a case by case basis.
Damages have been awarded for the following situations related to the
deceased’s expenses prior to his or her death:

Funeral and burial expenses.

Medical and other health care expenses incurred related to the period between
the deceased’s final illness or injury and death.

Wages and other income that the deceased would have earned between the
onset of the final illness or injury and death.

The pain and suffering of the deceased between the onset of the onset of
the final illness or injury and death.

The value of the support the surviving family could have expected had the
deceased been alive.

The value of the support and guidance the deceased would have provided
to his or her children.

The value of the estate that the deceased would have left to his or her
inheritors.

Interest at a rate of 9%, accruing from the date of the deceased’s death.

New York courts will leave the distribution of any damages awarded to the
estate in the hands of the personal representative of the estate, which
is why the representative should be carefully chosen!

Time limits for filing a wrongful death lawsuit in NYC and NY State

The State of New York requires that a wrongful death lawsuit be filed within
two years of the date of the victim’s death. Any lawsuit filed after
that date will be dismissed and cannot be refiled under any circumstances.

Contacting a New York City wrongful death lawyer

The wrongful death lawyer at the Doan Law Firm – New York City understands
how an unexpected death is a very stressful time for the surviving family
members. This is a time when important decisions must be made, but must
be carefully thought through to their impact on future family relations.

If you are considering a wrongful death lawsuit, you should contact the
New York City wrongful death lawyer at the Doan Law Firm by calling (646)
847-0000 to arrange a free consultation to review the facts surrounding
your loved one’s tragic death. You initial consultation is always
free and creates no obligation to hire our firm.

Should you decide that our firm should represent your case, we will assume
all financial matters directly related to preparing your case for trial
in exchange for an agreed-upon percentage of the final settlement that
we will win for you.

The Doan Law Firm – New York City 14 Wall Street 20th Floor New York,
New York, 10005 (646) 847-0000

After an accident, the responsible party's insurance company may try
to reduce the claim amount. Commonly, insurance adjusters are trained
to get information from the
injured to assist in reducing the claim. Though some insurers are less guilty
of this practice than others, it is important to realize that insurance
companies are profit-oriented corporations and reducing claims results
in increased profits for shareholders. This can create a situation for
the injured in which they are offered a settlement that does not truly
reflect the damages suffered. If you accept this settlement, you lose
the ability to get more money should your injuries require further medical
treatments. It is critical that victims get legal assistance in any personal
injury case, and
The Doan Law Firm is prepared to fight relentlessly for your rights.